Dyche Delighted With Robinson Signing

Sean Dyche is delighted with the signing of Paul Robinson, describing the move as a “win-win.”

The experienced goalkeeper signed earlier in the week, signing a contract until the end of the season.

The gaffer says it was an important signing, with the injury to Matt Gilks but allayed any serious fears about the Scottish goalkeeper’s elbow.

He said: “We had a difficult one with Gilksy hurting his elbow. We don’t think it’s too serious; it looked a tough incident when it happened but we think he’s going to be okay.

“Big Robbo was available and he has a fantastic history in the game – Leeds, Tottenham, 40 odd games for England and obviously he’s been down at our neighbours.

He’s got a real thirst to still be in it, he’s had a little quiet period and said he was deciding for himself. I had a little chat with him and he’s been really good.

He wants to come in, wants to at least support Tom (Heaton) with Gilksy being injured and we’ll see where that takes us but he’s very, very experienced.”

Dyche added that that the former England goalkeeper will be a good mentor for the younger goalkeepers, but that he has primarily come in to play.

The Clarets boss also admitted that at the moment, the contract is just until the end of the season but he isn’t ruling out extending it if things go well:

“We’ll see, he was happy. There wasn’t a huge demand from him and it’s not a money thing, I’ll make that quite clear. He just said ‘look, this is about me trying to affect the group’ so he’s coming in for real good reasons.

“He spoke to me about getting that hunger back again and he certainly looks like it now. He’s come in the last few days with that little buzz on and that will and demand from himself.

@He’s certainly come in with the right thoughts about what we’re doing and what the challenge is.

“And ‘keepers nowadays - he’s 36. I wouldn’t say it’s young but it’s certainly not anywhere near the end. He wants to do it and he’s motivated.”

Robinson could make his debut in the Emirates FA Cup this weekend, against Arsenal.

The Gunners having an added significance to the 36-year-old, due to his time at Tottenham Hotspur.

Dyche said: “That’s a twist of fate that probably is a bit surreal.”

Talking about Arsene Wenger’s praise for Burnley last season, the gaffer added: “I think that he was aware of the challenge. There was the obvious challenges like the financial and also the challenge of what it means to be in the Premier League.

“Particularly at home, he made reference to how well he thought we’d played, our organisation, our will and demand, what a tough challenge it was for his team to come up here. But fair play, they’re a very good side and everyone knows that it’s a big challenge for us.”